Jerusalem—“The City of the Great King”

“Do not swear . . . by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King.”—MATTHEW 5:34, 35.

1, 2. What might puzzle some regarding Jerusalem?

JERUSALEM—its very name evokes strong feelings in people of different religions. In fact, none of us can ignore this age-old city, since it is often mentioned in the news. Sadly, though, many reports reveal that Jerusalem is not always a place of peace.

² This may present some Bible readers with a puzzling thought. In the past the shortened name of Jerusalem was Salem, which means “peace.” (Genesis 14:18; Psalm 76:2; Hebrews 7:1, 2) You may therefore wonder, ‘Why in recent decades has a city with this name had such a lack of peace?’

3. Where can we find reliable information about Jerusalem?

³ To answer that question, we need to go far back in history and learn about the Jerusalem of ancient times. But some may think, ‘We do not have time to study ancient history.’ Nevertheless, accurate knowledge of Jerusalem’s early history has value for all of us. The Bible indicates why in these words: “All the things that were written aforetime were written for our instruction, that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4) Bible knowledge about Jerusalem can give us comfort—yes, and hope of peace, not only in that city but throughout the earth.

The Place of “Jehovah’s Throne”

4, 5. How was David involved in helping Jerusalem play a key role in the outworking of God’s purpose?

⁴ In the 11th century B.C.E., Jerusalem became world famous as the capital of a secure and peaceful nation. Jehovah God had the young man David anointed as king over that ancient nation—Israel. With the seat of government in Jerusalem, David and his royal descendants came to occupy “the throne of the kingship of Jehovah,” or “Jehovah’s throne.”—1 Chronicles 28:5; 29:23.

⁵ The God-fearing man David—an Israelite of the tribe of Judah—captured Jerusalem from the idolatrous Jebusites. The city then occupied only a hill called Zion, but that name became synonymous with Jerusalem itself. In time, David had the ark of God’s covenant with Israel moved to Jerusalem, where it was housed in a tent. Years earlier God had spoken to his prophet Moses from a cloud above that sacred Ark. (Exodus 25:1, 21, 22; Leviticus 16:2; 1 Chronicles 15:1-3) The Ark symbolized God’s presence, for Jehovah was the real King of Israel. In a twofold sense, therefore, it could be said that Jehovah God ruled from the city of Jerusalem.

6. What promise did Jehovah make concerning David and Jerusalem?

⁶ Jehovah promised David that the kingdom of his royal house, represented by Zion, or Jerusalem, would not end. This meant that a descendant of David would inherit the right to rule forever as God’s Anointed One—the Messiah, or Christ.a (Psalm 132:11-14; Luke 1:31-33) The Bible also reveals that this permanent heir to “Jehovah’s throne” would rule over all the nations, not just Jerusalem.—Psalm 2:6-8; Daniel 7:13, 14.

7. How did King David promote pure worship?

⁷ Attempts to unseat God’s anointed one, King David, proved futile. Instead, enemy nations were subdued, and the borders of the Promised Land were extended to their God-designated extremity. David utilized this situation to promote pure worship. And many of David’s psalms laud Jehovah as the real King in Zion.—2 Samuel 8:1-15; Psalm 9:1, 11; 24:1, 3, 7-10; 65:1, 2; 68:1, 24, 29; 110:1, 2; 122:1-4.

8, 9. How did true worship in Jerusalem expand under the reign of King Solomon?

⁸ During the reign of David’s son Solomon, the worship of Jehovah reached new heights. Solomon extended Jerusalem northward to include the hill Moriah (the area of the present-day Dome of the Rock). On this higher elevation, he was privileged to build a magnificent temple to Jehovah’s praise. The ark of the covenant was placed in the Most Holy of that temple.—1 Kings 6:1-38.

⁹ The nation of Israel enjoyed peace as they gave their wholehearted support to Jehovah’s worship, centered in Jerusalem. Beautifully describing this situation, the Scriptures state: “Judah and Israel were many, like the grains of sand that are by the sea for multitude, eating and drinking and rejoicing. . . . And peace itself became [Solomon’s] in every region of his, all around. And Judah and Israel continued to dwell in security, everyone under his own vine and under his own fig tree.”—1 Kings 4:20, 24, 25.

10, 11. How does archaeology bear out what the Bible says about Jerusalem when Solomon reigned?

¹⁰ Archaeological findings lend support to this account of Solomon’s prosperous reign. In his book The Archaeology of the Land of Israel, Professor Yohanan Aharoni states: “The wealth that flowed into the royal court from all directions, and the flourishing commerce . . . brought about a rapid and noticeable revolution in every aspect of material culture. . . . The change in material culture . . . is discernible not only in luxury items but also especially in ceramics. . . . The quality of the pottery and its firing improved beyond all recognition.”

¹¹ Similarly, Jerry M. Landay wrote: “Under Solomon, Israelite material culture advanced more in three decades than it had during the preceding two hundred years. We find in Solomonic strata the remains of monumental constructions, great cities with massive walls, the mushrooming of residential quarters with well-built clusters of the dwellings of the well-to-do, a quantum jump in the technical proficiency of the potter and his manufacturing processes. We find, too, the remains of artefacts representing goods made in far-off places, signs of vigorous international commerce and trade.”—The House of David.

From Peace to Desolation

12, 13. How was it that true worship did not continue to be promoted in Jerusalem?

¹² The peace and prosperity of Jerusalem, the city where Jehovah’s sanctuary was situated, were an appropriate subject for prayer. David wrote: “Ask, O you people, for the peace of Jerusalem. Those loving you, O city, will be free from care. May peace continue within your rampart, freedom from care within your dwelling towers. For the sake of my brothers and my companions I will now speak: ‘May there be peace within you.’” (Psalm 122:6-8) Though Solomon was privileged to build the magnificent temple in that peaceful city, he eventually married many pagan wives. In his old age, they seduced him into promoting the worship of false gods of that day. This apostasy had a corrupting effect on the whole nation, robbing it and its inhabitants of genuine peace.—1 Kings 11:1-8; 14:21-24.

¹³ Early in the reign of Solomon’s son Rehoboam, ten tribes rebelled and formed the northern kingdom of Israel. Because of their idol worship, God allowed that kingdom to be overthrown by Assyria. (1 Kings 12:16-30) The southern two-tribe kingdom of Judah continued to be centered in Jerusalem. But in time they too turned from pure worship, so God allowed the wayward city to be destroyed by the Babylonians in 607 B.C.E. For 70 years Jewish exiles languished as captives in Babylon. Then, by God’s mercy, they were allowed to return to Jerusalem and restore true worship.—2 Chronicles 36:15-21.

14, 15. How did Jerusalem regain a key role after the Babylonian exile, but with what change?

¹⁴ After 70 years of desolation, the ruined buildings must have been overgrown with weeds. Jerusalem’s wall was broken down, with large gaps where gates and supporting towers once stood. Yet, the returning Jews took heart. They built an altar on the site of the former temple and began to offer daily sacrifices to Jehovah.

¹⁵ This was a promising start, but that restored Jerusalem would never again be the capital of a kingdom with a descendant of King David on the throne. Instead, the Jews were ruled by a governor appointed by Babylon’s conquerers and had to pay taxes to their Persian masters. (Nehemiah 9:34-37) Though in a “trampled” condition, Jerusalem was still the one city in all the earth specially favored by Jehovah God. (Luke 21:24) As the center of pure worship, it also represented God’s right to exercise his sovereignty over the earth through a descendant of King David.

Opposed by False Religious Neighbors

16. Why did the Jews who returned from Babylon leave off their restoring of Jerusalem?

¹⁶ Soon the Jews who had returned from exile to Jerusalem laid the foundation of a new temple. But neighboring practicers of false religion sent a slanderous letter to Persian King Artaxerxes, claiming that the Jews would rebel. In turn, Artaxerxes banned further building in Jerusalem. You can imagine that if you had lived in the city back then, you would have wondered what the future would hold for it. As it turned out, the Jews discontinued temple construction and became engrossed in their own material pursuits.—Ezra 4:11-24; Haggai 1:2-6.

17, 18. By what means did Jehovah see to it that Jerusalem was rebuilt?

¹⁷ Some 17 years after their return, God raised up the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to correct the thinking of his people. Moved to repentance, the Jews took up rebuilding the temple. Meanwhile, Darius had become the king of Persia. He verified King Cyrus’ order that Jerusalem’s temple be rebuilt. Darius sent a letter to the Jews’ neighbors, warning them to ‘keep their distance from Jerusalem’ and to provide financial support from the king’s tax so that the building work might be completed.—Ezra 6:1-13.

¹⁸ The Jews completed the temple in the 22nd year of their return. You can appreciate that this milestone would be something to celebrate with great rejoicing. Yet, to a considerable extent, Jerusalem and its walls still lay in ruins. The city received needed attention “in the days of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest, the copyist.” (Nehemiah 12:26, 27) Evidently, by the end of the fifth century B.C.E., Jerusalem was completely rebuilt as a major city of the ancient world.

The Messiah Appears!

19. How did the Messiah acknowledge the unique status of Jerusalem?

¹⁹ Let us, though, leap forward some centuries to an event of universal importance, the birth of Jesus Christ. Jehovah God’s angel had told Jesus’ virgin mother: “Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father, . . . and there will be no end of his kingdom.” (Luke 1:32, 33) Years later, Jesus gave his famous Sermon on the Mount. In it, he offered encouragement and counsel on many subjects. For instance, he urged his listeners to fulfill their vows to God but to be careful not to indulge in frivolous oath taking. Said Jesus: “You heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You must not swear without performing, but you must pay your vows to Jehovah.’ However, I say to you: Do not swear at all, neither by heaven, because it is God’s throne; nor by earth, because it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King.” (Matthew 5:33-35) It is noteworthy that Jesus acknowledged Jerusalem’s unique status—one that it had enjoyed for centuries. Yes, it was “the city of the great King,” Jehovah God.

20, 21. What dramatic change occurred in the attitude of many living in Jerusalem?

²⁰ Near the end of his earthly life, Jesus presented himself to Jerusalem’s residents as their duly anointed King. In response to that thrilling event, many joyfully cried out: “Blessed is he that comes in Jehovah’s name! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”—Mark 11:1-10; John 12:12-15.

²¹ In less than a week, however, the crowds allowed Jerusalem’s religious leaders to turn them against Jesus. He warned that the city of Jerusalem and the entire nation would lose their favored status before God. (Matthew 21:23, 33-45; 22:1-7) For instance, Jesus declared: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the killer of the prophets and stoner of those sent forth to her,—how often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks together under her wings! But you people did not want it. Look! Your house is abandoned to you.” (Matthew 23:37, 38) At the time of the Passover in 33 C.E., Jesus’ opposers had him unjustly executed outside Jerusalem. Nevertheless, Jehovah resurrected his Anointed One and glorified him with immortal spirit life in heavenly Zion, an accomplishment all of us can benefit from.—Acts 2:32-36.

22. After Jesus’ death, what application have many references to Jerusalem had?

²² From that time on, most unfulfilled prophecies about Zion, or Jerusalem, can be understood as applying to heavenly arrangements or to Jesus’ anointed followers. (Psalm 2:6-8; 110:1-4; Isaiah 2:2-4; 65:17, 18; Zechariah 12:3; 14:12, 16, 17) A number of references to “Jerusalem” or “Zion” written after Jesus’ death clearly have a figurative sense and do not apply to the literal city or location. (Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22; 1 Peter 2:6; Revelation 3:12; 14:1; 21:2, 10) Final proof that Jerusalem was no longer “the city of the great King” came in 70 C.E. when Roman armies desolated it, as prophesied by Daniel and Jesus Christ. (Daniel 9:26; Luke 19:41-44) Neither Bible writers nor Jesus himself foretold a later restoration of earthly Jerusalem to the special favor of Jehovah God that it had once enjoyed.—Galatians 4:25; Hebrews 13:14.

Foregleams of Lasting Peace

23. Why should we still be interested in Jerusalem?

²³ Having reviewed earthly Jerusalem’s early history, one cannot deny that the city lived up to the meaning of its name—“Possession [or, Foundation] of Twofold Peace”—during King Solomon’s peaceful reign. Yet, that was but a foregleam of the peace and prosperity soon to be enjoyed by lovers of God who will live on an earth transformed into a paradise.—Luke 23:43.

24. What can we learn from conditions that prevailed when Solomon reigned?

²⁴ The 72nd Psalm reflects the conditions that prevailed during King Solomon’s reign. But that beautiful song is prophetic of blessings for mankind under the heavenly rule of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Of him, the psalmist sang: “In his days the righteous one will sprout, and the abundance of peace until the moon is no more. . . . He will deliver the poor one crying for help, also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper. He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, and the souls of the poor ones he will save. From oppression and from violence he will redeem their soul, and their blood will be precious in his eyes. There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth; on the top of the mountains there will be an overflow.”—Psalm 72:7, 8, 12-14, 16.

25. Why should we want to learn more about Jerusalem?

²⁵ What comfort and hope those words provide for lovers of God in Jerusalem or anywhere else on earth! You can be among those who will enjoy earth-wide peace under the Messianic Kingdom of God. Knowledge of Jerusalem’s past can help us to understand God’s purpose for mankind. The following articles will focus on events that took place in the seventh and eighth decades after the Jews returned from Babylonian exile. This offers comfort to all desiring to render acceptable worship to Jehovah God, the Great King.

Jerusalem—Is It ‘Above Your Chief Cause for Rejoicing’?

“Let my tongue stick to my palate . . . if I were not to make Jerusalem ascend above my chief cause for rejoicing.”—PSALM 137:6.

1. What attitude did many Jewish exiles have toward God’s chosen city?

NEARLY seven decades had passed since the first Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem in 537 B.C.E. God’s temple had been rebuilt, but the city still lay in ruins. Meanwhile, a new generation had grown up in exile. No doubt many of them felt like the psalmist who sang: “If I should forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand be forgetful.” (Psalm 137:5) Some did more than simply remember Jerusalem; they proved by their actions that it had ascended “above [their] chief cause for rejoicing.”—Psalm 137:6.

2. Who was Ezra, and how was he blessed?

² For example, consider the priest Ezra. Even before he returned to his homeland, he had zealously worked for the interests of pure worship in Jerusalem. (Ezra 7:6, 10) Ezra was richly blessed for that. Jehovah God moved the heart of the Persian king to grant Ezra the privilege of leading a second company of returning exiles to Jerusalem. Furthermore, the king gave them a large contribution of gold and silver “to beautify the house of Jehovah.”—Ezra 7:21-27.

3. How did Nehemiah prove that Jerusalem was his chief concern?

³ Some 12 years later, there was another Jew who took decisive action—Nehemiah. He served in the Persian palace at Shushan. He had a prestigious position as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, but that was not Nehemiah’s “chief cause for rejoicing.” Instead, he longed to go and rebuild Jerusalem. For months Nehemiah prayed about this, and Jehovah God blessed him for doing so. On learning of Nehemiah’s concern, the Persian king provided him with a military force and with letters authorizing him to rebuild Jerusalem.—Nehemiah 1:1–2:9.

4. How can we show that the worship of Jehovah is above any other cause for rejoicing that we may have?

⁴ Without a doubt, Ezra, Nehemiah, and many Jews cooperating with them proved that Jehovah’s worship, centered in Jerusalem, was more important than anything else—that it was ‘above their chief cause for rejoicing,’ that is, above any other thing over which they might rejoice. What an encouragement such individuals are for all today who view Jehovah, his worship, and his spirit-directed organization in the same way! Is that true of you? Do you show by your endurance in godly works that your greatest cause for rejoicing is the privilege of worshiping Jehovah with his dedicated people? (2 Peter 3:11) As a further encouragement to that end, let us consider the fine results of Ezra’s journey to Jerusalem.

Blessings and Responsibilities

5. What rich blessings came to the inhabitants of Judah in the days of Ezra?

⁵ The group of about 6,000 exiles returning with Ezra brought contributions of gold and silver for Jehovah’s temple. These amounted to some 35 million dollars at current rates. This was about seven times more gold and silver than the first exiles had managed to bring. How thankful to Jehovah the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judah must have been to receive all this human and material support! But rich blessings from God also bring responsibility.—Luke 12:48.

6. What did Ezra discover in his homeland, and how did he react?

⁶ Ezra soon discovered that many Jews, including some priests and elders, had overstepped God’s Law by marrying pagan wives. (Deuteronomy 7:3, 4) Rightly, he was very distressed over this violation of God’s Law covenant. “As soon as I heard of this thing I ripped apart my garment and my sleeveless coat, . . . and I kept sitting stunned.” (Ezra 9:3) Then, with anxious Israelites present, Ezra poured out his heart in prayer to Jehovah. In the hearing of all, Ezra reviewed Israel’s past disobedience and God’s warning of what would happen if they married the pagan inhabitants of the land. He concluded: “O Jehovah the God of Israel, you are righteous, because we have been left over as an escaped people as at this day. Here we are before you in our guiltiness, for it is impossible to stand before you on account of this.”—Ezra 9:14, 15.

7. (a) What fine example did Ezra set in dealing with wrongdoing? (b) How did guilty ones react in Ezra’s day?

⁷ Ezra used the expression “we.” Yes, he included himself, though he was not personally guilty. Ezra’s deep distress along with his humble prayer touched the hearts of the people and motivated them to works befitting repentance. They volunteered a painful remedy—all who had violated God’s Law would send the foreign wives back to their homelands, along with children born to them. Ezra agreed to this measure and encouraged the guilty ones to comply. With the authority invested in him by the Persian king, Ezra had the right to execute all lawbreakers or to banish them from Jerusalem and Judah. (Ezra 7:12, 26) But it appears that he did not have to take such action. “All the congregation” said: “Exactly according to your word it devolves upon us to do.” Furthermore, they confessed: “We have rebelled to a great extent in this matter.” (Ezra 10:11-13) Ezra chapter 10 lists the names of 111 men who followed through on the decision by sending away their foreign wives and the children born to them.

8. Why was the drastic action of sending away foreign wives in the interests of all mankind?

⁸ This action was in the interests not only of Israel but also of all mankind. If nothing had been done to correct matters, the Israelites could have been assimilated into the surrounding nations. In that case, the line of descent to the Promised Seed for blessing all mankind would have been contaminated. (Genesis 3:15; 22:18) It would have been difficult to establish the identity of the Promised Seed as a descendant of King David of the tribe of Judah. Some 12 years later, this vital matter was again given attention when “the seed of Israel proceeded to separate themselves from all the foreigners.”—Nehemiah 9:1, 2; 10:29, 30.

9. What good counsel does the Bible give to Christians who are married to unbelievers?

⁹ What can Jehovah’s present-day servants learn from this account? Well, Christians are not under the Law covenant. (2 Corinthians 3:14) Instead, they obey “the law of the Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) Thus, a Christian married to an unbeliever complies with Paul’s counsel: “If any brother has an unbelieving wife, and yet she is agreeable to dwelling with him, let him not leave her.” (1 Corinthians 7:12) Moreover, Christians married to unbelievers are Scripturally obliged to work at making a success of their marriage. (1 Peter 3:1, 2) Obedience to this fine counsel has often resulted in the blessing that unbelieving marriage mates have had a change of heart toward true worship. Some have even become faithful baptized Christians.—1 Corinthians 7:16.

10. What lesson can Christians learn from the 111 Israelite men who sent their foreign wives away?

¹⁰ Yet, the case of the Israelites who sent their foreign wives away does provide a fine lesson for single Christians. These should not start courting members of the opposite sex who are unbelievers. Avoiding such a relationship may be difficult, even painful, but it is the best course in order for one to have God’s continued blessing. Christians are commanded: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers.” (2 Corinthians 6:14) Any single Christian desiring marriage should plan on marrying a genuine fellow believer.—1 Corinthians 7:39.

11. Like the Israelite men, how may we be tested as to our cause for rejoicing?

¹¹ In many other ways too, Christians have made adjustments when it has been brought to their attention that they are heading in an unscriptural direction. (Galatians 6:1) From time to time, this journal has identified unscriptural conduct that would disqualify a person from remaining a part of God’s organization. In 1973, for example, Jehovah’s people came to understand fully that drug abuse and the use of tobacco are serious sins. To pursue a godly course, we must “cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) Quite a number took such Bible counsel to heart; they were willing to suffer initial withdrawal symptoms in order to remain part of God’s clean people. Clear Scriptural direction has also been given regarding sexual matters, dress, grooming, and the wise choice of employment, entertainment, and music. Whatever Scriptural principles are brought to our attention, may we prove ready “to be readjusted,” like the 111 Israelite men. (2 Corinthians 13:11) This will show that the privilege of worshiping Jehovah in association with his holy people ‘ascends above our chief cause for rejoicing.’

12. What happened in 455 B.C.E.?

¹² After reporting the episode involving the foreign wives, the Bible does not tell us what happened in Jerusalem for the next 12 years. No doubt, Israel’s neighbors became more hostile because of the cancellation of many marriage alliances. In 455 B.C.E., Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem with a military escort. He had been appointed governor of Judah and had brought letters from the Persian king authorizing him to rebuild the city.—Nehemiah 2:9, 10; 5:14.

Opposition From Envious Neighbors

13. What attitude did the Jews’ false religious neighbors display, and how did Nehemiah react?

¹³ False religious neighbors opposed the purpose for Nehemiah’s coming. Their leaders threatened him by asking: “Is it against the king that you are rebelling?” Showing faith in Jehovah, Nehemiah replied: “The God of the heavens is the One that will grant us success, and we ourselves, his servants, shall get up, and we must build; but you yourselves have no share, nor just claim, nor memorial in Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 2:19, 20) When repairs to the wall began, the same enemies mocked: ‘What are the feeble Jews doing? Will they bring the stones to life out of the heaps of dusty rubbish? If a fox went up against it, he would certainly break down their wall of stones.’ Instead of replying to these remarks, Nehemiah prayed: “Hear, O our God, for we have become an object of contempt; and make their reproach return upon their own head.” (Nehemiah 4:2-4) Continuously, Nehemiah set this fine example of reliance on Jehovah!—Nehemiah 6:14; 13:14.

14, 15. (a) How did Nehemiah handle the threat of enemy violence? (b) How have Jehovah’s Witnesses been able to continue with their spiritual building work despite fierce opposition?

¹⁴ To fulfill their important preaching assignment, Jehovah’s Witnesses today also rely on God. Opposers try to hinder this work by mocking. Sometimes, individuals interested in the Kingdom message give up because they cannot endure the ridicule. If ridicule fails, opposers may get angry and resort to threats of violence. This is what the builders of Jerusalem’s walls experienced. But Nehemiah refused to be intimidated. Instead, he armed the builders against enemy attack and strengthened their faith by saying: “Do not be afraid on their account. Jehovah the great and the fear-inspiring One keep in your mind; and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”—Nehemiah 4:13, 14.

¹⁵ As in the days of Nehemiah, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been well equipped to continue their spiritual building work in spite of fierce opposition. “The faithful and discreet slave” has provided faith-strengthening spiritual food, which enables God’s people to be productive even where the work is banned. (Matthew 24:45) As a result, Jehovah has continued to bless his people with increase throughout the earth.—Isaiah 60:22.

Internal Problems

16. What internal problems threatened the spirit of the builders of Jerusalem’s wall?

¹⁶ As the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall progressed and the wall got higher, the work became more difficult. That was when a problem came to light that threatened the spirit of the struggling builders. Because of food shortages, some Jews were finding it hard to provide food for their families and to pay their taxes to the Persian government. Wealthier Jews lent them food and money. Contrary to God’s Law, however, the poorer Israelites had to pledge their lands and children as security that they would pay back the money with interest. (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37; Nehemiah 4:6, 10; 5:1-5) Now the creditors were threatening to take over their lands and force them to sell their children as slaves. Nehemiah was incensed at this unloving, materialistic attitude. He acted quickly to ensure Jehovah’s continued blessing on the work of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall.

17. What did Nehemiah do to ensure Jehovah’s continued blessing on the building work, and with what outcome?

¹⁷ “A great assembly” was arranged, and Nehemiah clearly showed the wealthier Israelites that what they had done displeased Jehovah. Then he appealed to the guilty ones, including some of the priests, to return all the interest they had taken and to return the lands they had illegally taken from those who could not afford to pay interest. Commendably, the guilty ones said: “We shall make restoration, and from them we shall ask nothing back. We shall do precisely as you are saying.” These were not idle words, for the Bible reports that “the people proceeded to do according to [Nehemiah’s] word.” And all the congregation praised Jehovah.—Nehemiah 5:7-13.

18. For what attitude have Jehovah’s Witnesses become known?

¹⁸ What about our day? Rather than be exploitative, Jehovah’s Witnesses are widely known for their generous attitude toward fellow believers and others who have been struck by adversity. As in Nehemiah’s day, this has resulted in many grateful expressions of praise to Jehovah. At the same time, however, “the faithful and discreet slave” has found it necessary to give Scriptural counsel on business matters and on the need to avoid the greedy exploitation of others. In certain countries it is common to ask for an exorbitant bride-price, but the Bible plainly warns that greedy persons and extortioners will not inherit God’s Kingdom. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) The good response of most Christians to such counsel is reminiscent of how those Jews saw the sinfulness of exploiting their poorer brothers.

Jerusalem’s Wall Completed

19, 20. (a) What effect did the completion of Jerusalem’s wall have on religious opposers? (b) What victory have Jehovah’s Witnesses experienced in many lands?

¹⁹ Despite all the opposition, Jerusalem’s wall was completed in 52 days. What effect did this have on the opposers? Nehemiah said: “As soon as all our enemies heard of it and all the nations that were around us got to see it, they at once fell very much in their own eyes, and they got to know that it was from our God that this work had been done.”—Nehemiah 6:16.

²⁰ Today, enemy opposition to God’s work continues in various ways and places. However, millions of people have seen the futility of opposing Jehovah’s Witnesses. For instance, consider past attempts to bring an end to the preaching work in Nazi Germany, Eastern Europe, and many countries of Africa. All such attempts have failed, and many people now acknowledge that ‘it is from God that our work is being done.’ What a reward this has been to faithful old-timers who made Jehovah’s worship ‘ascend above their chief cause for rejoicing’ in such lands!

21. What significant events will be considered in the next article?

²¹ In the next article, we will review important events that led up to the joyful inauguration of Jerusalem’s rebuilt wall. We will also consider how the completion of a far grander city for the benefit of all mankind draws near.

A Jerusalem True to Its Name

“Be joyful forever in what I am creating. For here I am creating Jerusalem a cause for joyfulness.”—ISAIAH 65:18.

1. How did Ezra feel about God’s chosen city?

AS A keen student of God’s Word, the Jewish priest Ezra cherished the connection that Jerusalem once had with Jehovah’s pure worship. (Deuteronomy 12:5; Ezra 7:27) His love for God’s city is revealed in the portion of the Bible that he was inspired to write—First and Second Chronicles and Ezra. In these historical records, the name Jerusalem is found nearly a quarter of the over 800 times it appears in the entire Bible.

2. What prophetic meaning can we see in the significance of the name Jerusalem?

² In Biblical Hebrew, “Jerusalem” can be understood as being in a form of the Hebrew language called the dual. The dual is most often used for objects that come in pairs, such as eyes, ears, hands, and feet. In this dual form, the name Jerusalem can be viewed as prophetic of a peace that God’s people would experience in a twofold sense—spiritually and physically. The Scriptures do not reveal whether Ezra fully understood this. As a priest, though, he did his best to help the Jews to enjoy peace with God. And he certainly worked hard so that Jerusalem would live up to the meaning of its name, that is, “Possession [or, Foundation] of Twofold Peace.”—Ezra 7:6.

3. How many years pass before we are again introduced to the activities of Ezra, and in what circumstances do we find him?

³ The Bible does not state where Ezra was during the 12 years that intervened between his visit to Jerusalem and Nehemiah’s arrival in the city. The poor spiritual condition of the nation during that time suggests that Ezra was absent. Yet, we find Ezra serving again as a faithful priest in Jerusalem just after the city’s wall had been rebuilt.

A Wonderful Assembly Day

4. What was significant about the first day of Israel’s seventh month?

⁴ The wall of Jerusalem was finished just in time for the important festival month of Tishri, the seventh month on Israel’s religious calendar. The first day of Tishri was a special new moon feast called Festival of Trumpet Blast. On that day, priests blew on trumpets while sacrifices were offered to Jehovah. (Numbers 10:10; 29:1) This day prepared the Israelites for the annual Day of Atonement on the 10th of Tishri and the joyful Festival of Ingathering from the 15th to the 21st of the same month.

5. (a) How did Ezra and Nehemiah make good use of “the first day of the seventh month”? (b) Why did the Israelites weep?

⁵ On “the first day of the seventh month,” “all the people” gathered, likely being encouraged to do so by Nehemiah and Ezra. Men, women, and “all intelligent enough to listen” were included. Thus, young children were present and were attentive while Ezra stood on a podium and read the Law “from daybreak till midday.” (Nehemiah 8:1-4) At regular intervals, the Levites helped the people to understand what was being read. This moved the Israelites to tears as they realized how far short they and their forefathers had fallen from obedience to God’s Law.—Nehemiah 8:5-9.

6, 7. What can Christians learn from what Nehemiah did to stop the Jews from weeping?

⁶ But this was not the time for mournful weeping. It was a festival, and the people had just completed the work of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall. Nehemiah therefore helped them to get into the right frame of mind by saying: “Go, eat the fatty things and drink the sweet things, and send portions to the one for whom nothing has been prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord, and do not feel hurt, for the joy of Jehovah is your stronghold.” Obediently, “all the people went away to eat and drink and to send out portions and to carry on a great rejoicing, for they had understood the words that had been made known to them.”—Nehemiah 8:10-12.

⁷ God’s people today can learn much from this account. Those privileged to have parts at meetings and assemblies should keep the foregoing in mind. In addition to providing corrective counsel that is sometimes necessary, such occasions highlight the benefits and blessings that come from meeting God’s requirements. Commendation is given for fine works performed and encouragement to endure is provided. God’s people should go away from such gatherings with joy of heart because of the upbuilding instruction they have received from God’s Word.—Hebrews 10:24, 25.

Another Joyful Gathering

8, 9. What special meeting took place on the second day of the seventh month, resulting in what for God’s people?

⁸ On the second day of that special month, “the heads of the fathers of all the people, the priests and the Levites, gathered themselves together to Ezra the copyist, even to gain insight into the words of the law.” (Nehemiah 8:13) Ezra was well qualified to conduct this meeting, since he “had prepared his heart to consult the law of Jehovah and to do it and to teach in Israel regulation and justice.” (Ezra 7:10) No doubt, this meeting highlighted areas where God’s people needed to conform more closely to the Law covenant. Of immediate concern was the need to make proper preparations to celebrate the upcoming Festival of Booths.

⁹ This week-long festival was held in the correct way, with all the people dwelling in temporary shelters made from the branches and leaves of various trees. The people erected these booths on their flat roofs, in their courtyards, in the temple courtyards, and in the public squares of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 8:15, 16) What a fine opportunity this was to congregate the people and read to them from God’s Law! (Compare Deuteronomy 31:10-13.) This was done each day, “from the first day until the last day” of the festival, resulting in “very great rejoicing” on the part of God’s people.—Nehemiah 8:17, 18.

We Should Not Neglect God’s House

10. Why was a special gathering arranged on the 24th day of the seventh month?

¹⁰ There is a proper time and place to correct serious deficiencies among God’s people. Apparently realizing that this was such a time, Ezra and Nehemiah arranged for a day of fasting on the 24th of the month of Tishri. Again God’s Law was read, and the people made confession of their sins. Then the Levites reviewed God’s merciful dealings with his wayward people, made beautiful expressions of praise to Jehovah, and contracted “a trustworthy arrangement” attested by the seal of their princes, Levites, and priests.—Nehemiah 9:1-38.

11. To what “trustworthy arrangement” did the Jews bind themselves?

¹¹ The people in general took an oath to carry out the written “trustworthy arrangement.” They would “walk in the law of the true God.” And they agreed not to enter into marriage alliances with “the peoples of the land.” (Nehemiah 10:28-30) Moreover, the Jews bound themselves to observe the Sabbath, to make an annual financial contribution in support of true worship, to supply wood for the altar of sacrifice, to give the firstborn of their flocks and herds for sacrifices, and to bring the firstfruits of their land to the dining halls of the temple. Clearly, they were determined ‘not to neglect the house of their God.’—Nehemiah 10:32-39.

12. What is involved in not neglecting God’s house today?

¹² Today, Jehovah’s people must be careful not to neglect their privilege of ‘rendering sacred service’ in the courtyards of Jehovah’s great spiritual temple. (Revelation 7:15) This involves regular heartfelt prayers for the advancement of Jehovah’s worship. Living in harmony with such prayers requires preparation for Christian meetings and participation in them, sharing in arrangements to preach the good news, and helping interested ones by returning and, if possible, conducting Bible studies with them. Many who do not want to neglect God’s house make financial contributions toward the preaching work and the maintenance of places of true worship. We may also be able to give our support to the building of urgently needed meeting places as well as to keep them clean and tidy. An important way to show love for God’s spiritual house is to work for the peace of fellow believers and to assist any who are in need of material or spiritual help.—Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20; Hebrews 13:15, 16.

A Joyful Inauguration

13. What urgent matter required attention before Jerusalem’s wall could be inaugurated, and what fine example did many set?

¹³ The “trustworthy arrangement” sealed in Nehemiah’s day prepared God’s ancient people for the day of the inauguration of Jerusalem’s wall. But another urgent matter still needed attention. Now enclosed by a large wall with 12 gates, Jerusalem needed a larger population. Though some Israelites lived there, “the city was wide and great, and there were few people inside it.” (Nehemiah 7:4) To solve this problem, the people “cast lots to bring in one out of every ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city.” The willing response to this arrangement moved the people to bless “all the men who volunteered to dwell in Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 11:1, 2) What a fine example for true worshipers today whose circumstances allow them to move to where there is a greater need for mature Christian help!

14. What happened on the day of the inauguration of Jerusalem’s wall?

¹⁴ Important preparations soon began for the great day of the inauguration of Jerusalem’s wall. Musicians and singers were gathered from the surrounding cities of Judah. These were formed into two large thanksgiving choirs, each to be followed by a procession. (Nehemiah 12:27-31, 36, 38) The choirs and processions started from a point on the wall farthest from the temple, probably from the Valley Gate, and marched in opposite directions until they met at God’s house. “They proceeded to sacrifice on that day great sacrifices and to rejoice, for the true God himself caused them to rejoice with great joy. And also the women and the children themselves rejoiced, so that the rejoicing of Jerusalem could be heard far away.”—Nehemiah 12:43.

15. Why was the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall not a cause for permanent joy?

¹⁵ The Bible does not give the date of this joyful celebration. Undoubtedly, it was a highlight, if not the climax, of Jerusalem’s restoration. Of course, much building work needed to be done inside the city. In time, Jerusalem’s citizens lost their fine spiritual standing. For example, when Nehemiah visited the city for a second time, he found that God’s house was again being neglected and that the Israelites were again marrying pagan women. (Nehemiah 13:6-11, 15, 23) These same bad conditions are confirmed in the writings of the prophet Malachi. (Malachi 1:6-8; 2:11; 3:8) So the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall was not a cause for permanent joy.